Photo: Getty Images
My Reason to Build
"We need space and each other to center, affirm and amplify love and acceptance of ourselves.”
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Angela Patton
Founder of Camp Diva Leadership Academy
CEO of Girls For A Change
Angela Patton is a nationally respected social innovator, storyteller, and activist. She is the Founder of Camp Diva Leadership Academy and CEO of Girls For A Change—a bold nonprofit on a mission to prepare Black girls for the world, and the world for Black girls.
For over 25 years, Angela has led systemic and cultural transformation, building programs and platforms where Black girls are seen, heard, and celebrated. Based in Richmond, Virginia, her work reaches beyond city and state lines. She has received numerous accolades, including being named a White House Champion of Change under the Obama Administration, recognized on Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40, honored with the Richmond History Makers Award for her community impact, and featured in ELLE Magazine for her leadership and vision.
Angela's TED Talk on father-daughter relationships in the justice system has been viewed over one million times and continues to inspire global audiences. She co-authored the book Finding Her Voice, a guide that empowers young Black girls to lead with confidence and clarity.
Expanding her advocacy into film, Angela is the co-director of the critically acclaimed documentary Daughters, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film won both Festival Favorite and Audience Favorite: U.S. Documentary awards and is now streaming on Netflix. Its success has positioned Angela as a powerful voice in social impact storytelling. She has since been named Director of the Year, received a Critics' Choice Award, is a Peabody Award winner, earned a BAFTA nomination, and is an Emmy nominee in two categories.
Angela’s storytelling is grounded in truth and transformation. She reshapes the narrative around Black girlhood by amplifying lived experiences, centering joy and dignity, and dismantling harmful stereotypes. Her work doesn’t just tell stories; it sparks movements.
As a speaker and changemaker, Angela challenges institutions to listen to Black girls' ideas—and act on them. She is not only changing lives; she’s rewriting the future.
A Message from the CEO
“Black women are often portrayed as too much. We do too much, we are too much, and we take up too much space. Because of these societal beliefs, when Black girls and women decide to speak up for themselves, it’s construed as loud, sassy, and negative. This feeling of always having to be aware of one’s own behavior to make others comfortable can create feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and unhealthy choices.
Navigating the world with a mindset that you cannot take up space robs you of the ability to be yourself, love yourself, or do for yourself. As a leader, organizer, and activator for Black girls, I want to offer a space for girls to be bold, to be loud, and most importantly to be seen. Girls For A Change encourages girls to be honest and respected, and love themselves and others.
It's about time we had a sacred and brave space where we can gather and be free from the mainstream stereotypes and marginalization that permeate every other societal space we occupy. Within our four walls, we work on and address cultural issues that others would not understand or feel comfortable discussing. We have to have the space to work through issues like colorism, racism, sexism - all the isms - because a lot of times Black girls don’t get that chance. Not in their schools, communities, and for some not even at home. It is important to find communities for Black women and girls while we are on our personal development journey because the ultimate purpose of personal growth is to ripple through the collective and raise consciousness.”
At Girls For A Change, we are preparing Black girls for the world, and the world for Black girls.
– Angela Patton, Chief Executive Officer
Girls For A Change Staff Members
Headshots by Jay Paul Photography
Angela Patton
Founder of Camp Diva Leadership Academy
CEO of Girls For A Change
My Reason to Build
"We need space and each other to center, affirm and amplify love and acceptance of ourselves.”
Na'Kera Richardson
Director of Operations and Programs
My Reason to Build
“Every girl deserves a space that is beautiful, safe, and feels like home.”
Danielle Brown
Elevating LeadHers Development Fellow
My Reason to Build
“When we own space specifically designated to celebrate and build up Black girl excellence, that excellence pours out into and contributes to our entire community.”
Ken Walker
Impact Coordinator
My Reason to Build
“Creating a dedicated space for young Black women fosters a sense of belonging, empowerment, and affirmation in environments where they are often underrepresented. It also provides opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and community-building rooted in shared experiences and cultural identity.”
Support Staff
Coach Nickey McMullen
Girl Action Team National Trainer
My Reason to Build
“sing the song of her possibilities
sing a righteous gospel
let her be born
& handled warmly."
Ashley Ray
Communications Director
My Reason to Build
"Because we understand it is imperative to teach Black Girls that they have the right to take up space, be heard, and respected in all spaces."
Chad Morris
Community Impact Liaison
My Reason to Build
"A building of their own is far more than bricks and mortar for Girls For A Change; it’s a sanctuary and a brave space for these girls to grow, lead and transform themselves and the world."
Jolinda Anderson
Website Designer
My Reason to Build
"Black girls are amazing and deserve the opportunity to own their own space where they can learn, grow, thrive and build identity-affirming community."
Peer Advisors
Nadia Fraser
Peer Advisor
My Reason to Build
"The new space is important because it will provide a place for young black girls to learn and grow, while being constantly reminded that there is a place for them. It will teach them about themselves, their history, and the impact they can have on the community."
Kileya Johnson
Peer Advisor
My Reason to Build
"Having a new space is beneficial to our community as it gives more space for more girls and more activities within our programs. There are many programs that we have and with a new space we can have more material specific them and do multiple of them at a time."
Asani Ka-Re
Peer Advisor
My Reason to Build
"Black females can blossom and always gain new information at Girls For A Change. Donating to our building is important so that Black girls and other girls of color can expand their networks and have access to greater opportunities."
Meghan McGee
Peer Advisor
My Reason to Build
"My reason to build is to provide more opportunity and resources to girls to help them flourish more than they ever thought they could!"
If you are interested in working with Girls For A Change,
visit our Careers Opportunities page to check for open positions.